Students are required to have health insurance to attend college full-time in Massachusetts. A student has to purchase a SHIP through their college only if they do not currently have health insurance coverage that is considered “comparable coverage.” For example, a student with MassHealth coverage, a ConnectorCare plan, or a student who is under age 26 who has coverage through a parent’s health insurance plan, does not need to purchase a SHIP.
Student Health Insurance Programs (SHIPs) are the health insurance plans that are offered by Massachusetts colleges and universities. These plans meet the Massachusetts and federal requirements for insurance coverage.Learn more now →
Massachusetts law requires students enrolled in higher education programs with a 75% full-time curriculum to be covered by health insurance that offers reasonably comprehensive coverage of health care services. Reasonable comprehensive coverage could include (but is not limited to) MassHealth, Health Connector plans, or an employer health plan. All of the plans offered by the Health Connector have been awarded the state’s Seal of Approval, so you can be sure the plan you choose meets both state and national coverage standards.
